Heart attack can occur without any warning signs. Basic first-aid knowledge can save lives. Therefore, training and education to the public on such skill is thus necessary. The problem has been there are not enough robots that are designed to facilitate such training; currently robots in use are expensive imports. PSU innovators are inspired by this cause and have invented Dung-Guan Robot, a human-like first-aid robot that is built with simple mechanism yet durable.

The creators collected data on first aid skills and training as well as patent right to build robot. They build the robots in size and shape that would be best-fitting for chest pumping and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation training and practice. The robot is made out of rubber foam with flexible material in the chest cavity mimicking a human body. Furthermore, there is also the twin air spaces designed to be responsive to correct rhythm and depth of the chest pumping. A mouth cavity that has simulated respiratory tract with a special back-up opening sound that is responding to correct mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

The first-aid robot has been used to train basic life support treatment to the public such as hospitals, public health institutions, rescue units, educational institutions, and factories. The robot has reduced dependence of the expensive import alternatives; Dung-Guan robots cost 4-5 times less to build all the while increases Thai rubber value. The robot technology has already been shared and manufactured via local entrepreneurs which inevitably means job creation for the local community.

Award:

Outstanding innovation (medical science) from National Research Council of Thailand 2018